Zesty Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Recipe Introduction: Lettuce Wraps, Sorted!
Fancy a light bite? Or maybe you’re just after a seriously flavourful meal? You know, one that won't leave you feeling like you've eaten a whole Sunday roast? Then check out these Zesty Asian Lettuce Wraps .
Honestly, they're peng.
Quick Hook: What’s all the fuss about
Ever had a dish that’s both dead easy to make and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant? These healthy lettuce wraps are exactly that.
Ground chicken gets a right proper flavour boost. Think vibrant veggies and a knockout ginger soy sauce. All this goodness nestled in crisp lettuce cups.
Sorted, eh?
What are we making, and why?
Lettuce wraps are well-known for being a lighter, fresher take on the usual fillings. This chicken wrap recipe gives a nod to Asian cuisine, packing in flavour but keeping things healthy.
This recipe is dead easy, takes around 35 minutes to knock up, and serves about 4. Just the ticket for a family meal.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These quick lettuce wraps are a fab way to sneak in some extra veg. Plus, they're naturally low carb lettuce wraps , perfect if you're watching your figure or just fancy something lighter.
This chicken lettuce wrap sauce is something else, too, it makes the chicken taste delicious.
Ready to get cracking? Let's have a look at what you need.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, so you fancy making some easy lettuce wraps ? Brilliant choice! This chicken wrap recipe is dead easy and packed with flavour.
Honestly, once you've tried these asian lettuce wraps , you'll be making them all the time.
Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty
Here's what you need for these healthy lettuce wraps , measured precisely because nobody likes a flop!
- Ground Chicken: 1 pound (450g). Go for good quality, lean stuff. Seriously, it makes a difference.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely diced (150g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced
- Ginger: 1 inch , grated (2.5cm) Fresh is best!
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium , finely diced
- Carrot: 1 medium , finely diced
- Water Chestnuts: 1/2 cup , drained and chopped (80g)
- Green Onions: 1/4 cup , chopped (30g)
- Cilantro: 2 tablespoons , chopped (optional) (15g)
The Zesty Ginger Soy Sauce
This is where the magic happens. Don't skimp!
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (45 ml). Low-sodium is key!
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Don't overdo it! It's potent.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional) (2.5 ml). For a kick!
The Lettuce Wraps Themselves
- Butter Lettuce or Romaine Lettuce: 1 head , leaves separated, washed and dried. You want nice, sturdy leaves.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!
The ginger soy sauce is the heart of this dish. Play around with it. A dash of fish sauce (trust me!) can add depth.
No honey? Maple syrup works a treat. For a spicier kick, a smidge of sriracha is your friend. For chicken lettuce wrap sauce experimentation, don't be shy!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Honestly, you don't need fancy kit.
- Large Skillet or Wok: For stir frying.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping.
- Small Bowl: For the sauce.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups: No guesswork allowed.
Cooking Up a Storm: Zesty Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, even when it's chucking it down outside? These easy lettuce wraps are just the ticket! Think fresh, vibrant, and seriously addictive.
I remember the first time I tried something similar in a little cafe down in Brighton. Honestly, I was hooked after the first bite.
Now, I've tweaked it to my own taste to make my own asian lettuce wraps . This version hits all the right notes: savory, sweet, and a tiny bit spicy.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. It's all about the mise en place , my friends.
This bit's gonna take about 20 minutes , governor. Dice that onion, bell pepper, and carrot like your life depends on it.
Mince the garlic and ginger fresh ginger is essential here, trust me. Chop the green onions and cilantro (if you're feeling fancy).
And most importantly, prepare those beautiful lettuce leaves. Butter or romaine work best, just wash and dry them thoroughly. Nobody wants soggy lettuce wraps ! Got all that? Good.
Now we are on our way to a delicious chicken wrap recipe .
step-by-step: From Frying Pan to Fantastic
Right, here’s the simple run-down. The total time to finish these healthy lettuce wraps is about 35 minutes , including prep and cook. Get ready to be amazed.
- Make the Magic Sauce: Whisk together 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This ginger soy sauce is the key!
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 1 pound ground chicken and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off any fat.
- Sauté the Veg: Add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3- 5 minutes , until softened.
- Veggie Power: Toss in the diced bell pepper, carrot, and 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts. Cook for another 2- 3 minutes .
- Sauce it Up: Pour the sauce over the chicken and veg. Simmer for 2- 3 minutes , until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions and cilantro (if using).
- Wrap It Up: Spoon the chicken lettuce wrap filling into the lettuce cups. Garnish with sesame seeds and lime wedges (optional).
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Lettuce Wraps
Want to take your chicken lettuce wraps to the next level? Honestly, it's all in the details.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the ground chicken in batches if needed. This will make sure it browns properly.
- Taste and Adjust: Before adding the sauce, give it a quick taste. Too salty? Add a bit more honey. Not spicy enough? Throw in some extra red pepper flakes.
- Prep Like a Pro: Chop all the veggies and make the sauce ahead of time. This will make your life a whole lot easier, trust me. Also, this can save a good amount of time when you want some quick lettuce wraps .
So there you have it. A low carb lettuce wraps option that's easy to make, tastes amazing, and is actually good for you.
What's not to love? Plus, you can get lettuce wrap filling ideas from different recipes, it is all about testing the waters, and creating your own personalized option!
Recipe Notes: Bits and Bobs to Consider
Right then, before you dive headfirst into making these Zesty Asian ground chicken lettuce wraps , let’s have a quick chinwag about a few handy bits and bobs.
Honestly, a little planning goes a long way! These easy lettuce wraps are already fairly simple, but a few tweaks can really make them sing.
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Look Fancy!
How you present your asian lettuce wraps matters. Get your camera phone ready! First, lay out the crisp lettuce leaves like little boats.
Next, spoon in the chicken filling all the way to the edges. A sprinkle of sesame seeds makes them look posh.
Finally, pop a lime wedge on the side so everyone can add a zing. Serve with some cold edamame. It's the perfect side for a light meal.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!
If you've got leftovers and I'd be surprised if you did because these are gorgeous then here’s the deal.
First, store the filling separately from the lettuce. You can keep the filling in the fridge for up to three days .
Then, the lettuce needs to stay crisp, so keep it in a separate bag. Finally, when you want to reheat the chicken, microwave it for a minute or two.
Assemble when ready to eat. Freezing isn’t recommended; the texture goes funny, you know?
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Want to mix things up? I don't blame you. Instead of chicken, try using cooked shrimp. Or, for a veggie option, use crumbled tofu.
Just remember to press the tofu first, to get rid of all the excess water. Also, swap the honey for maple syrup if you like.
And if you want a bit of a kick, add some chili garlic sauce to your chicken lettuce wrap sauce .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
These healthy lettuce wraps aren't just tasty. They are also reasonably good for you! One serving has about 250 calories.
It also gives you a whopping 25g of protein and only 15g of carbs. Talk about a winning dinner! They’re a fantastic way to get your protein and greens.
A little bit of everything is good for the soul.
Honestly, that’s all there is to it. Now get in the kitchen and have a crack. You will love making these quick lettuce wraps ! And if you’re looking for a chicken wrap recipe that's both low carb lettuce wraps and delicious, this is it! Enjoy!
This lettuce wrap filling ideas is going to become your new favourite! Don't forget that ginger soy sauce is the secret weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best type of lettuce to use for lettuce wraps?
Butter lettuce (also known as Boston or Bibb lettuce) and romaine lettuce are cracking choices for lettuce wraps. Butter lettuce offers a soft, pliable cup shape, while romaine provides a sturdier, crunchier base.
Avoid iceberg lettuce; it's a bit bland and doesn't offer the structural integrity you need to hold the filling. Think of it like choosing the right cuppa you want something that holds its form and delivers the goods!
Can I make these lettuce wraps vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Tofu is a brilliant substitute for the ground chicken. Just press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, then crumble it and cook it in the same way you would the chicken. For a vegan version, ensure you use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the sauce.
You could also throw in some mushrooms or lentils for extra texture and flavour.
How do I store leftover lettuce wraps filling? Will the lettuce stay crisp?
Store the leftover chicken (or tofu) filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's best to store the lettuce leaves separately to prevent them from getting soggy. When you're ready to enjoy more lettuce wraps, simply reheat the filling and spoon it into fresh lettuce cups.
Think of it as a "DIY" wrap station, ready when you are!
Can I prepare the Zesty Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?
You can definitely prep parts of this recipe in advance to save time. Chop all the vegetables and whisk together the sauce up to a day ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. You can even cook the chicken filling a day in advance, but let it cool completely before refrigerating.
However, it's best to assemble the actual wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh, like a good salad.
What other variations can I make to these lettuce wraps?
The possibilities are endless! Try using ground turkey or shrimp instead of chicken, or add different veggies like edamame, shredded cabbage, or bean sprouts. A sprinkle of toasted peanuts or cashews adds a nice crunch, or try a drizzle of peanut sauce or sriracha mayo for extra flavour.
Think of it as your culinary playground get creative and find your signature lettuce wrap!
Are lettuce wraps healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Lettuce wraps are a fairly healthy option, especially compared to carb heavy alternatives. They are lower in carbohydrates and calories, and are packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Because you use lettuce instead of a tortilla or bread, you save a lot of calories.
Just watch the sodium content of your soy sauce, and enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It's a win-win delicious and good for you!
Zesty Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
